Is it just me … or does your family also have a complex system of unwritten rules that everyone obeys, even if no-one says them aloud?  Rules about who you are and where you fit and what is and isn’t acceptable and how things are or aren’t done. In our house for example, we work as a team.  Nothing, but nothing happens, without a family summit.  Lost your socks?  Let’s huddle.  Got a rash? Let ME Take a look. Jar to open?  I CAN DO IT! Here’s another: no-one ever addresses issues directly.  If there’s a problem, we go around ... Read More

Aaaah, Boxing Day.  The calm after the Christmas Day storm. An oasis of jigsaws, re-runs and indigestion. Christmas Day is great. But – it’s a little overwhelming too.  It’s lovely to see family and it’s lovely to sit together round a meal and it’s lovely to open some presents.  It’s just that on this one day, it’s ALL of everything in one go. ALL the family – even the ones you usually only see at weddings. ALL the food – breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert… a gigantic non-stop ... Read More

Here’s hubby in full ... Read More

Christmas. Suddenly it’s not just snapping at my heels, but licking my nose. Part of me loves it, the other bit wants to stay into bed until it’s all over. It’s a challenging time – in part because IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE FUN. Not just a temporary ceasefire on the conflict that punctuates normal family life, but a whole sleighload of relentless, frenzied, all-ages frivolity. On the list of stressful life events, Christmas can be up there with moving home and getting married. At this time of year, men are inundated with ideas for What ... Read More

I’m working towards a couple of deadlines at the moment, so over the next few days I’m a-wheelin’ out some Christmas faithfuls.  Normal service (and hopefully sanity) will resume after the weekend… Christmas is a time of celebration and joy, right? It’s the roaring log fire, the camaraderie, you and your family laughing together over charades, wrapped up warm in your fleecy pjs and squabbling good-naturedly over the last Quality Street. (Inevitably, in our house anyway, the last choc is always one of those revolting ... Read More

‘For to us a child is born and to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders’. (Isaiah 9:6). What does Christmas mean to you? I’m a Christian.  Been one now, for many years.  I know the right answer to this question.  But, confronted by the melee of Christmas, I’m finding myself caught up and carried along – in the wrong direction. There’s so much to do.  Groceries and presents to buy – but also deadlines to meet and bills to pay. It’s like buying Delia’s ready-mix ... Read More

If I ever meet Cliff Richard, I can’t be held responsible for my actions.  I’m sure he’s a lovely, lovely man.  But one more ‘Children singing Christian rhyme’.  Just one – and I MAY CRACK. Humbugeddybaabaa. I gave Christmas shopping a go – honestly.   I’ve been in M+S for almost twenty minutes (15 of which were spent queuing for the free whisky sample). But it’s over now.  Breathe Emma, breathe. Glen’s getting  a chocolate orange and a new sponge.  And a ‘surprise’ ... Read More

It’s a tough time of year for those struggling with addictions or eating disorders.  Here’s a few tips; As much as possible, surround yourself with people who will encourage your recovery: people who will listen to you, challenge you and keep you accountable.  People who will ask you how you’re feeling and not settle for ‘fine’, when you’re not. Stick up Bible verses and reminders of God’s love and strength and presence.  Not ones about working harder – grace-filled truths and promises.  I ... Read More

Christmas is a hard time for those with eating disorders. To be honest, I think it’s a hard time for most – even those who absolutely love it. It’s a bit like being strapped in to a fairground ride. You’re looking forward to it, but as you gain speed, you start feeling a bit sick too. You’re so focused on breathing you can miss the actual event.  Then off you step, dizzy and disorientated, thinking ‘ hmmm.  that went quick’. Too often, December and January end up as the ugly sisters.  One’s a ... Read More

I’ve been spending the last few days with my mum, so apologies for the paucity of posts. However, it does give me the opportunity to have a guest post from Paul B on the topic of ‘Stir Up Sunday’. Despite the machinations of Tesco et al to rename and reclaim this day, it hasn’t always been about mixing up Christmas cake. (Nor, as Waitrose claim, should it be called ‘Delia Day’ – much as I love her kitchen manner). No, the real stir-up Sunday is about the beginning of Advent and Cranmer’s ... Read More